What began as a simple inquiry turned into a global teaching adventure for Glen Webster, HBA ’93, MBA ’98, through Ivey’s LEADER Project.

By Cam Buchan

A simple question opened a world of opportunity for Glen Webster.

“What have you got?”

The answer dropped Webster onto a sweltering tarmac in Vietnam and launched an adventure that reshaped his view of the world — all through Ivey’s LEADER Project and its opportunity for alumni to join this student-run global entrepreneurial development program.

Webster is no stranger to international work. During his 20 years as an “intrapreneur” at Klick Health, he helped drive the company’s global expansion into the U.K., Singapore, Brazil, Switzerland, and Uruguay. Recently retired — or, as he frames it, “on sabbatical” — Webster looked to stay connected with Ivey, support students, and expand his teaching interests.

When he inquired about what support he could offer, the LEADER Project was the answer. 

Stepping off the plane on his first tour in Vietnam, his expectations were blown out of the water.

“I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew the Ivey students would have it well organized and they did. They were as impressive as ever,” said Webster.

But it was the international entrepreneurs who truly impressed him. He remembers working with Bao, a young Vietnamese developer who had built an AI-driven mental health app called MINDVIVO — part chatbot therapist, part digital support platform. Bao excelled in software, but the business side was new territory. Webster began asking questions about revenue models, pricing strategies, and scalability.

“Suddenly he looked at me kind of wide-eyed and said, ‘I’ve never thought about the business in this way,’” said Webster. “It was incredibly satisfying to work with Bao and see him apply our discussions directly to his venture.”

Is Webster looking to repeat his experiences in future LEADER Project trips?  

Maybe. But at the very least, he encourages other alumni to get involved.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to travel and immerse yourself in another culture in a way that is exceptionally meaningful. And the relationships you build with the Ivey students you’re working alongside — those are incredible.”

Learn more about Ivey’s LEADER Project.